Spool-rack.



W. J. LABIMER.

SPOOL RACK. APPLICATION FILED MAE.8,1913.

Patented July 14, 1914.

17 INVENTOR I l MJLar/me/r ArrdRA/EY WHED STATES PATENT GFFMJE.

WILLIAM J. LARIIVIER, OF KANSAS CITY, KANSAS, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF T0 JOSEPH C. CUTLER, OF KANSAS CITY, KANSAS.

SPO OL-RAGK.

To all whom it may concern.

Be it known that l, VVILLIAM J. Lannunn, a citizen of the United States, residing at Kansas City, in the county of Wyandotte and State of Kansas, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Spool- Racks; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters and figures of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

My invention relates to a spool rack, and more particularly to a rack for use in dressmaking, or other establishments, wherein sewing machine operators are constantly using thread of different colors or qualities, the object of the invention being to provide a device for carrying a number of separate spools conveniently for the operator, and in a manner to afford ready access to the various spools, but whereby the thread is protected against loss or soiling.

It is a well known fact that in dressmaking establishments, or the like, wherein sewing machine operators are constantly employed, that such operators in making a single garment require thread of different degrees of fineness, or of difierent colors, that when the spools of thread are kept on the work table, or in drawers provided for that purpose, the thread is often misplaced so that time is lost in searching for it when it is needed, and that by having the spools loose on the table, or in a drawer, the thread becomes soiled by handling or contact with other articles, or with goods. With a work table provided with a rack of the type herein described, however, spools of thread of every quality or color which might be required by an operator may be mounted in the rack and locked in place, so that it is not only impossible for the thread to become lost but also for the threads to be intentionally removed by any one except the superintendent or other person having the key to the rack. With the spool so mounted the operator can, however, easily and quickly run the proper thread to the machine so that changes of quality or color may be more easily and quickly made than if it Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed March 8, 1913.

Patented July 1a, 1914:. Serial No. 752,808.

were necessary to change the spools on the machine.

In accomplishing the objects above noted I have provided certain improved details of structure, the preferred form of which is illustrated and described in the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure l is a perspective view of a spool rack constructed according to my invention, illustrating its use in connection with the sewing machine. Fig. H is a perspective view of the rack with the keeper bar open. Fig. HI is a similar view, with the keeper bar closed. Fig. IV is an enlarged vertical section of the end parts of the rack showing the mounting of the spool rods. Fig. V is a cross section of the keeper bar standard on the line VV, Fig. IV.

Referring more in detail to the parts ldesignates a frame, preferably comprising an inverted U-shaped structure of sheet metal, having supporting standards 22 provided at their lower ends with feet 3 having lateralfianges 4., whereby the rack may be firmly supported on and attached to a work table 5, the frame being preferably of hollow construction in order to limit its weight and cost of manufacture. In order to strengthen the frame I also preferably provide a cross bar 6 which may be permanently secured to the standards near their lower ends. The inner face of standard 2 has apertures 7 arranged at intervals throughout its height, such intervals being preferably varied in accordance with the size of the spools which are to be used, and irregular in outline so as to form key sockets and the inner face of the standard 2 provided with apertures 8 which are preferably round and of greater diameter than the apertures 7.

The outer face of the standard 2 is made separate from the body of the frame and preferably hinged at 9 thereto, said member being provided with edge flanges so that the outer face of the standard may lie against and be braced by the body standard to form a keeper bar 10 as will presently be more fully described.

In order to carry out the intention of using the hinged part 10 as a keeper bar I provide the body standard with a staple 11 and the bar with an aperture 12 so that be applied thereto to lock the keeper bar in;

place.

In order to mount the spools within the frame I provide rods 14:, preferably round in cross-section, and having key tips 15 which are adapted for seating in the apertures 7 in the standard 2 in a manner to hold said rods against revoluble movement, the rods being of such length that when properly mounted the keeper bar 10 may be lowered to its locking position and confine said rods within the rack. I also prefer to provide the rack with a guide 16 having apertures 17 through which thread may be projected and retained in a desired elevation relative to the machine 18 upon which it is to be used.

In using the rack, presuming that it is constructed as described, and mounted, either permanently Or otherwise, on a work 7 table adjacent the sewing machine, the rack is first supplied with thread by the superintendent or store. keeper who unlocks the rack, draws the rods out of their seats in the standard 2 and strings the spools there on, it being apparent that when the apertures in the standards are spaced at different distances apart the large spools may be placed on the rods spaced the greatest distance apart and the small spools on those which are closer together. Nhen'the spools are in place on their rods the latter are re Copies of this'patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner Washington, D. G.

will be projected mounted in the standard 2 and the keeper 7 bar replaced and locked to the frame standard so that it is not-only impossible for the spools to become lost, but also for 'themfto be intentionally removed by a dishonest or careless operator. 7

It is readily apparent that thread carried by a rack of this kind, in the manner described, is not only protected against becoming soiled by handling, or contact with base and integral supporting racks, one having spaced key sockets and the other-comprising an inner wall having apertures in alinement with the key sockets in the opposite rack, and having an outer wall section hingedly mounted on the frame and adapted for covering the outer face ofthe apertured wall, and rods adapted for projection through the apertures in said inner wall and having key. ends for fitting within said key sockets.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses. i

WILLIAM J. LARIMLER.

lVitnesses:

ARTHURVV. CAPS, Lara E. COATS. I

of Patents, j 

